The holidays closing the year can be a sartorial challenge to many men as December is a month when many parties get crowded into a very small amount of time. For many, Christmas and New Year’s are very strongly tied to the idea of festive clothes. Thus, they represent both a great occasion to try on new things, but this can be a hassle, so we thought to offer a guide on how you can make great holidays outfits with little effort, but with great results.
There are three main things a man needs to check for a great outfit: a statement piece, the details of the basic pieces and his accessories.
The statement piece
A festive outfit is usually based on a strong statement piece. This can be any of the larger items you wear and we are going to focus on jackets to make our case. A regular white shirt-black pants outfit can be style up in no time with a festive jacket. Festive jackets usually feature colors or fabrics that you wouldn’t usually wear. For example, a purple velvet jacket, a red evening tuxedo jacket or even a gold or silver sequence jacket will change your entire look. If you have two such jackets, you can simply wear every other piece both on Christmas and at a New Year’s party and only switch the jacket. A simple white shirt – black pants look is very versatile and neutral and will thus work with any festive jacket you may have.
Surely, your statement piece does not have to be a jacket; it can be a vest, a pair of pants or anything else, but festive jackets are the most easy to find and the most easy to work with.
As a bonus tip, we can say that prints and patterns can also work, but usually for the holidays we recommend subtle prints and patterns, you don’t want to be a walking Christmas tree.
Moreover, we’d like to remind you of the concept of layering: adding multiple layers to a look (such as a vest to a suit and shirt combo) will add depth to the ensemble, which will make you look more put together and stylish.
Basic details
When it comes to putting together an outfit, there are a few details you should be concerned with. These are the fit and the fabrics of the clothes you wear.
Firstly, in terms of fit, it needs to be said that for an item to fit it does not have to be tight, it simply needs to hug your body well enough that it frames it well and that it allows you to move freely. Extremes don’t feel nor look good: don’t go for something that looks as if you grew into it, or for something that makes you look like you are wearing a tent. If you have issues with finding things in your size, buy something a bit larger and have it altered by a tailor. You will be very grateful, as you will both look good and feel great at the same time.
In terms of fabric, it is essential to be pointed out that your clothes should be made from great fabrics. Bad fabrics will make you uncomfortable and won’t adapt to your body well. Surely, sometimes they will work, in the end, there are many cool jackets for example that are made from synthetic materials and sometimes details such as fake fur can look really good too. But generally, try going for the best fabrics you can find.
Accessories
The third layer of a great Christmas or New Year’s outfit is represented by your accessories. Sometimes, the right accessories can turn a simple, everyday look into a festive look. For example, a classic shirt and suit look can be upgraded for the holidays with a colorful tie (it doesn’t have to be a festive, candy cane and snowman tie or anything, it can simply be something with a cool pattern or a more festive color such as gold or silver), with a nice watch, a creative pair of cufflinks or a simple bracelet, which will add details, shine and style to your look.
As an extra tip, always remember that adding simple accessories can make you look more polished: for example, putting on a belt or suspenders will make you look more structured, put together and elegant.
Additional information: Grooming
One must always remember that even if every item of clothing and every accessory you wear is on point, you won’t look polished and clean if your grooming is not on point too. This is why you should pay close attention to your shave, to having a trimmed beard if it’s the case, to making sure your hair is well cut and styled and that every other part is trimmed, brushed and washed (think eyebrows, nails, ears, etc.). Sometimes, you can make not-great clothes look great with great grooming, but it rarely goes the other way around.
Checking these things when you are putting together an outfit for the winter holidays will ensure you that you will both look good and feel comfortable, which will give you a great attitude over things. Remember that you should always feel comfortable and at easy mentally in your clothes, otherwise your discomfort will show; so while we do recommend to push your limits and try on new things, you should also make sure that you are 100% comfortable with what you wear, as this is what true style is all about.
Also, it is essential to think of your look as a complement to the holidays and to yourself: don’t let your clothes describe you. This way, you will have a balance between your outside and your inside, which is something you should carry not only during the holidays, but every day.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
Good Tidings: The Best for the Year to Come
Discover the Winter 2018-19 issue of InCompany by Attire Club
P.S. We want to hear from you! How do you dress on Christmas and New Year’s Eve? What do you wear or want to wear as a style statement? How do you accessorize? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!